Rohe Kōreporepo - The Swamp, The Sacred Place

This documentary is a positive ecological story following teams of kaitiaki (guardians) as they work to replant and reflood Aotearoa's dying wetlands and swamps using mātauranga (traditional Māori knowledge) as their guide. Wetlands and swamps act as "territorial sponges" in the landscape: soaking up rainwater, preventing flooding, recharging groundwater systems and storing carbon. They were also ancient food baskets for Māori. In this extended trailer, local iwi, farmers, artists, scientists and young people from across Aotearoa discuss the unique ecosystems of their rohe kōreporepo — swamps and sacred places.

Just look at the forest, look at the species, get to know the species, talk to them, see what they're up to.

– A nature fan talks about the beauty he sees at replenished wetland areas

Key Cast & Crew

Dave Perry

Cinematographer

Kathleen Gallagher

Co-Director, Writer, Producer

Dylan Pyle

Writer

Kate Goodwin

Co-Director

Gaylene Barnes

Editor

Nicole Reddington

Composer